TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 79, 24 June 1927, Page 7

TROTTING

(Continued)

CARDINAL LOGAN’S BRILLIANT WIN

WHAT THE SCRATCHING PEN INDICATED It Is a well-worn theory in both the racing and trotting world that the scratching pen is very often a splendid indicator for putting the public on the scent of a winner. Over and over again instances can be recalled where horses withdrawn from an early event have made good next time out. FIRST DAY DEFAULTERS Two pacers were particularly conspicuous on the opening day at Alexandra Park by their absence, and both were generally recognised as having a reasonable chance of lifting a stake if started. Harold Thorpe, whose connections paid up for the gelding in both the Campbell Handicap and the Cornwall Handicap on Saturday, was allowed to drop out of his engagements.

Luvan also declined to take on the opposition in the Marconi Handicap the first day, her connections being evidently satisfied to wait for the Adams Cup on the concluding day. Both Harold Thorpe and Luvan faced the starter on Wednesday, and each succeeded in paying a dividend, Harold Thorpe winning the Prince of Wales Handicap and Luvan finishing second in the Memorial Cup. CARDINAL LOGAN’S CASE After the splendid effort put forth by Cardinal Logan in the Campbell Handicap on the opening day, he was in great demand for the principal heat on Wednesday, and there was every indication that he would have been the actual favourite on the machine. But those who had carefully noted the Cardinal’s dash on Saturday and had kept some spare silver to invest on his chances,, were able to keep their money in hand, as Hendricksen’s fine pacer was withdrawn on the course. RUSH TO BE ON This fact was not lost sight of when the Au Revoir Handicap, the last event, of the card, came up for decision and there was a general stampede to be on the Southerner, who started a very warm favourite. Whether the son of Logan Pointer—Lady Superior could have won the two-mile event or not did not enter into the calculation. He had been reserved for the sprint and that was quite enough for a large number of the speculative public. The indication of the scratching pen in this particular case was very effective, as Hendricksen’s gelding was early in a winning position and never occasioned liis supporters any uneasiness, winning in good style.